Intro: All
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Verse 1: Scott, (All), (Mitch)
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la, la la la la (Fa la la la la, la la la la)
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la, la la la la (Fa la la la la, la la la la)
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la, la la la la (Fa la la la la, la la la la)
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Chorus: All
Fa la la la la, la la la la la la
Fa la la la la, fa la la la
Fa la la la la, la la la la la la
Fa la la la la, fa la la la
Verse 2: Scott, Kirstin, Mitch, (All)
See the blazing yule before us
Fa la la la la, la la la la (Fa la la la la, la la la la)
Strike the harp and join the chorus
(Fa la la la la, la la la, Fa la la la la, la la la)
Follow me in merry measure
Fa la la la la, la la la la, Fa la la la la, la la la la
While I tell of Yuletide treasure
(Fa la la la la, la la la la)
Chorus: All
Fa la la la la, la la la la la la
Fa la la la la, fa la la la
Fa la la la la, la la la la la la
Fa la la la la, fa la la la
Verse 3: Scott, (All)
Fast away, the old year passes
Fa la la la la, la la la la (Fa la la la la, la la la la)
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses
(Fa la la, la la la, la la la, la la la, Fa la la, la la la, la la la la)
Sing we joyous all together, oh
Heedless of the wind and weather
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Chorus: All
Fa la la la la, la la la la la la
Fa la la la la, fa la la la
Fa la la la la, la la la la la la
Fa la la la la, fa la la la
Verse 1: Scott, All
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Deck The Halls
Deck The Halls Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Pentatonix brings their signature innovative a cappella sound to the classic holiday carol, "Deck The Halls," in a vibrant rendition released on November 27, 2017. Known for their intricate vocal arrangements that mimic a full instrumental sound, the group tackles this festive tune with their characteristic precision and energy. Their version transforms the familiar melody through layers of vocal harmony, percussive beatboxing, and deep bass lines, creating a rich, textural soundscape that feels both traditional and refreshingly modern. The arrangement highlights the interplay between the individual voices and the collective group, building a sense of communal celebration inherent in the song's theme.
The timeless lyrics of "Deck The Halls" invite listeners into the heart of holiday merriment. Phrases like "Deck the halls with boughs of holly" evoke the tradition of decorating homes with evergreens, symbolizing life and festivity during the winter season. "'Tis the season to be jolly" is a direct call to embrace joy and good cheer, a central theme of the holidays. "Don we now our gay apparel" speaks to dressing up for celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere. "Troll the ancient Yuletide carol" refers to singing Christmas songs, connecting modern celebrations to ancient traditions. The subsequent verses continue this narrative, mentioning the warmth of the "blazing yule," the joy of making music together ("strike the harp and join the chorus"), and sharing the metaphorical "Yuletide treasure" of happiness and togetherness. The final verse notes the passage of time as the "old year passes" and hails "the new," incorporating a theme of renewal and looking forward with optimism, all while encouraging joyous singing "heedless of the wind and weather," emphasizing the spirit of enduring celebration.
Pentatonix's performance imbues these classic words with a palpable sense of excitement and warmth. Their vocal delivery is crisp and lively, perfectly capturing the carol's sprightly tempo and joyful mood. The layered "Fa la la la la" refrains, central to the song, are executed with dynamic variation, sometimes serving as a rhythmic foundation, at other times soaring as melodic counterpoint or full group harmony. This a cappella treatment strips the song back to its pure vocal essence while simultaneously building a complex, energetic sound that feels much larger than just five voices. The group's ability to convey the festive spirit through voice alone makes their version particularly engaging and a favorite for many during the holiday season.
"Deck The Halls" itself is a carol with roots in Welsh New Year's carols, later set to English lyrics celebrating Christmas traditions. Its enduring popularity lies in its simple, joyful message and catchy melody, embodying the universal desire for celebration, warmth, and community during the holidays. Pentatonix's take honors this history while showcasing the potential for innovation within traditional forms. Their rendition serves as an inspirational reminder of the power of human voice and collaboration to create beauty and spread holiday cheer. It encourages listeners to participate in the season's joy, whether through singing along, gathering with loved ones, or simply embracing the spirit of festivity. This version stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of the carol and Pentatonix's mastery of the a cappella art form, making it a beloved addition to the contemporary holiday music landscape.
